However, bail will be set in proportion with the seriousness of a crime and the defendant's flight risk. This may make bail very expensive or, the judge may decide to set no bail at all.

Request to Reduce Bail

If you are hit with a high bail amount, you can request a hearing to reduce bail. While the process may differ slightly among states, an attorney would usually file a motion to reduce bond and request a hearing. At the hearing the defendant will present evidence of why the bail should be reduced. Common considerations for reducing bail include:

Defendant's ability to pay,

The severity and circumstances of the crime,

Defendant's criminal history or lack thereof,

Defendant's ties to the community,

The probability of danger that Defendant may pose, or

The likelihood of Defendant not showing up to trial.

After considering these factors, the judge has discretion to decide whether or not to reduce bail.

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